Press Releases
Spokesperson’s response to Guardian report: Israel does not mistreat detained Palestinian children
2 February 2012
Palestinian minors have committed atrocities – but Israel’s military justice system respects their rights in custody Your special report looks at allegations that Israel’s military justice system mistreats Palestinian children who have been arrested for throwing stones. “Many are exhausted from sleep deprivation. Day after day they are fettered to the chair, then returned to solitary confinement. [...]
Israel congratulates Egypt on inauguration of parliament
26 January 2012
We trust Egypt will continue to uphold the importance of peace and stability in our region. On the occasion of the opening session of the Egyptian parliament, on January 23rd, Israel extends its congratulations to the people of Egypt for its efforts to achieve freedom, democracy and economic development. We send the new parliament our [...]
PM Netanyahu on incitement by the Mufti
24 January 2012
Following are Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks at the Knesset, (Tuesday, January 24, 2012), regarding the incitement by the [Palestinian] Mufti in Jerusalem: “Today, most governments around the world are silent in the face of calls by the Palestinian mufti to kill Jews simply because they are Jews. What is most chilling is the fact [...]
PA Mufti’s speech at Fatah celebration encourages the killing of Jews
19 January 2012
Recently, the Palestinian Authority’s Mufti, Muhammad Hussein, spoke at an event celebrating the 47th anniversary of the founding of Fatah. The Mufti, the Palestinian Authority’s highest religious leader, is appointed by PA President Mahmoud Abbas, who is also the Chairman of Fatah. The Mufti voiced this latest instance of hate speech, which calls for killing [...]
PM Netanyahu’s Remarks at the Start of the Weekly Cabinet Meeting
1 January 2012
Following are Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks at the start of the Cabinet meeting today: “Before we get to the data, I would like to summarize 2011 by noting two of the Government’s and the State of Israel’s very major achievements. In the past year, we successfully faced a global economic upheaval. We faced, and [...]
Atty. Yitzhak Molcho, PM Netanyahu’s Envoy to the Negotiations with the Palestinians, to Leave for Quartet Meeting in Amman
1 January 2012
Attorney Yitzhak Molcho, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s personal envoy to the negotiations with the Palestinians, will on Tuesday, 3.1.12, leave for Amman in order to attend a meeting of the Quartet. National Information Directorate head Dr. Yoaz Hendel said that, “We are grateful to King Abdullah II and to Jordanian Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh for [...]
Spokesperson’s letter to the Guardian in response to Harriet Sherwood’s article “Israel will launch significant Gaza offensive sooner or later”
29 December 2011
You report (28 December) warnings of a possible Israeli offensive on Gaza. In the three years since Operation Cast Lead, the effect is clear: there has been a 72% decline in the number of rockets launched from Hamas-controlled Gaza. However, that still amounts to 1,571 rockets launched. This is anything but “sporadic”. These attacks undermine [...]
PM Netanyahu Speaks with Public Security Minister Aharonovitch about Attitudes toward Women in the Public Sphere
24 December 2011
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this evening spoke with Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch and asked him to instruct the Israel Police to act aggressively against violence against women in the public sphere. The Prime Minister also spoke with Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein in order to ascertain that the laws regarding discrimination against women in the [...]
Rockets hit northern Israel
29 November 2011
A short while ago, a number of rockets hit the Western Galilee. No casualties were reported in this incident. The IDF responded by targeting the origins of the fire. The IDF regards this incident as severe, and holds the Lebanese government and the Lebanese Army responsible for preventing any rocket fire at Israel. The IDF [...]
President Shimon Peres Meets in Amman with Jordanian King Abdullah II
28 November 2011
Israeli President Shimon Peres this morning (Monday), 28.11.11, at the Royal Palace in Amman, met with Jordanian King Abdullah II. The two leaders discussed various bilateral issues as well as ways to overcome obstacles in the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians, and exchanged views regarding recent developments in the region. The meeting was [...]
Infiltration attempt thwarted on Egyptian border
23 November 2011
Earlier this evening, while patrolling on the Israeli-Egyptian border, IDF soldiers identified a group of armed suspects that infiltrated into Israel during a smuggling attempt. IDF soldiers attempted to apprehend the suspects. Following their refusal to stop and adhere to the soldier’s calls, the soldiers fired at lower body mass, confirming a hit. The suspects [...]
Prime Minister’s Office: IAEA Report on Iran
9 November 2011
“The IAEA report corroborates the position of the international community, and of Israel, that Iran is developing nuclear weapons. The significance of the report is that the international community must bring about the cessation of Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons which endanger the peace of the world and of the Middle East.”
UNESCO vote harms chances for peace negotiation
31 October 2011
Israel rejects the decision of the General Assembly of UNESCO of the 31st October accepting Palestine as a member state of the organisation. This is a unilateral Palestinian maneuver which will bring no change on the ground but further removes the possibility for a peace agreement. This decision will not turn the Palestinian Authority into [...]
PM Netanyahu’s remarks following the release of Gilad Shalit
18 October 2011
One of the principal and most complicated missions which I set my heart to was to bring our abducted soldier Gilad Shalit back home, alive and well. Today, that mission has been completed. Citizens of Israel, today we are all united in joy and in pain. Two-and-a-half years ago, I returned to the Prime Minister’s [...]
HE Ambassador Daniel Taub welcomes Head of Opposition in Israel Tzipi Livni to the UK
5 October 2011
“This visit by the Leader of the Opposition in the Israeli parliament marks the end of a long, absurd period in which the vital dialogue between Israel and the UK was obstructed. No longer will extremists be able to abuse British law as a political tool. I hope this legal correction will pave the way [...]
Israel Welcomes Quartet Call for Direct Negotiations
3 October 2011
Israel welcomes the Quartet’s call for direct negotiations between the parties without preconditions, as called for by both President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu. While Israel has some concerns, it will raise them at the appropriate time. Israel calls on the Palestinian Authority to do the same and to enter into direct negotiations without delay.
Israeli leaders condemn arson attack at Tuba-Zangariyye Mosque
3 October 2011
President Shimon Peres strongly condemned the mosque attack in Tuba-Zangariyye earlier today. In an event at Beit HaNassi recognising the achievements of young scientists, the President said: “At the start of my remarks I wanted to express my profound shock from the horrible attack on the Mosque in Tuba-Zangariyye which took place today. It is [...]
Statements by President Obama and PM Netanyahu at their meeting at the UN General Assembly
22 September 2011
President Obama: As I just said in the speech that I gave before the UN General Assembly, the bonds between the United States and Israel are unbreakable, and the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security is unbreakable. Indeed, I think it’s fair to say that today our security cooperation is stronger than it has ever [...]
Message of the President of the State of Israel, Mr. Shimon Peres on the occasion of the Jewish New Year 5772, September 2011
19 September 2011
Hopefully, the coming New Year will herald the realisation of our aspirations for peace, greater security and economic growth, as we continue to strive to safeguard the future of the Jewish people and strengthen the ties between Israel and our Jewish brethren in the Diaspora. Dramatic changes have swept across our region in the past [...]
Embassy Spokesperson’s comment on UK Government’s decision re Universal Jurisdiction
16 September 2011
“Today, the cloud that has hung over the UK’s ability to play a role in our area has been lifted, and should no longer cast a shadow over the diplomatic relationship between our two countries. We are hopeful that this correction will finally close that loophole which was abused by opportunistic groups promoting their sinister [...]
Spokesperson’s statement on the UK Government’s decision re Durban conference
15 September 2011
“This anti-Racism Conference long ago evolved into the inverse of its original purpose. We welcome the British government’s decision today to place itself on the right side of this conference, on the outside of the door, alongside America, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands and many others.” ends
Spokesperson’s comment on PSC protest at Israel Philharmonic Orchestra concert at Royal Albert Hall
1 September 2011
Mr. Amir Ofek, Israeli Embassy’s spokesman has stated today that: “The PSC global tour of hate has reached a new venue. Whilst orchestras all around the world are offering a culture of communication, the PSC promote a culture of conflict. The future consequences are for the British public to decide if this is acceptable or [...]
Students in Israel invent device to help prevent cot death
24 August 2011
Students in Israel have invented a device which detects symptoms associated with cot death and notifies parents. For all parents, the threat of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) presents a constant worry. In the United Kingdom alone, SIDS accounts for the death of 300 healthy babies a year[1], but parents could soon help protect their [...]
Summary of today’s combined terrorist attacks on Southern Israel
18 August 2011
For the IDF spokesperson’s announcement, please click here
Israeli scientists invent device to end date rape
16 August 2011
Researchers in Israel have successfully tested a device that detects drugs lurking in drinks Scientists[1] at Tel Aviv University have created the gadget[2] in response to the ever-increasing problem of date rape. In a blind test conducted earlier this month[3], the device detected GHB and Ketamine in each of the drugged drinks, proving the underlying [...]
Israeli scientists discover potential cure for pancreatic cancer
16 August 2011
Researchers in Israel are optimistic they have discovered a potential cure for pancreatic cancer Scientists have recently published findings detailing trials conducted on the Klotho protein. Produced naturally in small quantities by the brain and kidneys, they believe it can be used to prevent, and even reverse, the growth of cancerous cells in the pancreas[1]. [...]
Letter from Israel’s Ambassador to the UN on yesterday’s events in Lebanon
2 August 2011
Please see this link for the letter sent by Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, in response to the firing from Lebanese forces towards IDF soldiers situated South of the Blue Line, a clear violation of Security Council Resolution 1701.
Israel and South Sudan Establish Diplomatic Relations
28 July 2011
The Government of the State of Israel and the Government of the Republic of South Sudan, Guided by the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1963, Desirous to promote and strengthen ties of friendship and cooperation between their countries and peoples, on the [...]
Spokesperson’s letter to Guardian: ‘Israel’s navy and the fishermen of Gaza’
27 July 2011
The conclusion from Harriet Sherwood’s “fact-finding mission” (Troubled waters: Palestinian fishermen caught in Israel gunboat policing net, 25 July) is clear. None of the Palestinian allegations she went to check were supported by what she saw. No live fire, no interfering by the Israeli navy before the boat crossed the three miles line and no [...]
UN Amb Prosor addresses Security Council on the situation in the Middle East and the Palestinian question
26 July 2011
Unilateral actions will not bring peace to our region. Like a false idol, the Palestinian initiatives at the United Nations may be superficially attractive to some. Yet, they distract from the true path to peace. Thank you, Mr. President. Let me also thank you for your able stewardship of the Security Council this month. [...]
Cabinet Approves Construction of New International Airport at Timna
25 July 2011
The Cabinet yesterday approved the construction of a new international airport at Timna. The airport will replace Eilat’s current airport and will thus promote the economic progress of the city by freeing up land for tourism, commerce and housing. According to the plan, the Airports Authority will finance the construction of the airport and operate [...]
Israeli reaction to Friday’s events in Norway
25 July 2011
From the Prime Minister: “Israel expresses its shock at the revolting terror attacks in Oslo, which have taken the lives of innocent victims. Nothing at all can justify such wanton violence, and we condemn this brutal action with the utmost gravity. We stand in solidarity with the people and government of Norway in this hour [...]
Cabinet Approves Memorial Site to Commemorate Jewish Soldiers who Fought in World War II
18 July 2011
The Cabinet yesterday unanimously approved the establishment of a memorial site to Jewish soldiers who fought in World War II, near the IDF Armored Corps memorial site at Latrun, at a cost of NIS 32 million, half of which will come from Government funding and half from external sources. According to the decision, the site [...]
Israel-UK strategic dialogue
7 July 2011
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General Rafi Barak and UK Foreign Office Permanent Under-Secretary and Head of the Diplomatic Service Simon Fraser headed the third Israel-UK Strategic Dialogue. The strategic dialogue is a central part of the partnership between the two countries. Officials from across both governments participated in the talks, which focused on the [...]
Spokesperson’s further comment on West Dunbartonshire Council’s decision to ban new Israeli books
15 June 2011
Following the decision of West Dunbartonshire Council to ban Israeli books from their library shelves, the Israeli Embassy sent to the Council a package of books including one of the first publications in Hebrew to emanate from the region, the Bible, and ranging to the modern day and Start Up Nation (by Senor & Singer). [...]
Spokesperson’s comment on incidents in the Golan Heights
6 June 2011
Like any country, Israel has the right to defend its borders. Even though it is a border with a hostile country, so long as no attempts are made to cross it or to throw Molotov cocktails to the Israeli side , no Israeli reaction is needed nor will be taken. It is clear that these [...]
Spokesperson’s response to West Dunbartonshire Council’s ban on new Israeli books
27 May 2011
On West Dunbartonshire Council’s decision to ban new Israeli-authored or Israeli-printed books from its libraries ”This must be the only organisation in the 21st century that is still banning books. Not only does it close down debate but for many Jews and others who wish to contribute to the peace process in the Middle East this [...]
Mary Byrne marks 100 years of the Kibbutz
15 May 2011
To mark the 100th anniversary of the Kibbutz movement, the Israeli Embassy organised a reunion party on Sunday evening for former volunteers. No country (except Israel) has provided more volunteers over the past century than the UK. Guest of Honour was former X-Factor star Mary Byrne, who entertained the crowd with a stirring set, and [...]
HE Ron Prosor on the death of David Cairns MP
11 May 2011
“The death of David Cairns is a great loss for us all. David was a proud friend of the Israeli people, who stood staunchly by our side, never taking the easy way out. He often told how his colleagues in Parliament would urge him to be a more ‘critical friend’ – their emphasis always more [...]